A walking beam furnace represents the state-of-the-art of efficient reheating furnaces. In a walking beam furnace, the stock is placed on stationary ridges and a revolving beam walks the product along through the furnace until the exit where the beam returns to the furnace entrance. In a US based plant substantial savings in fuel and electricity consumptions were realized by installing a walking beam furnace and employing a state-of-the-art combustion control system .